Welcome to timekeeper training!Please keep this information for reference throughout your training and afterwards. Read these questions to help familiarize yourself with what you may encounter during a game:

Q: How important is my job as timekeeper?

A: Extremely important! In fact, YOU are the MOST IMPORTANT person at the game because YOU are providing the only written record that the game ever existed.In the“Who’s Who” book of outstanding students in America, the title of scorekeeper is listed alongside that of valedictorian, editor, team manager and more because it requires maturity, responsibility and hard work!Everyone at the rink is depending on you to have the game run smoothly.You should take pride in your work and be proud of doing your job well.

Q: At what age can I begin timekeeping?

A: About age 11 (PeeWee).

Q: When should I arrive at the rink?

A: Always arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the game’s start time.This gives you enough time to:get a scoresheet from the office; sign and fill out the date and any other areas on the scoresheet that need to be completed; put on each team’s three roster stickers (or, if the coach does not have stickers, you must handwrite player names on the scoresheet); give teams their allotted warm-up time before the game begins; and to relax and prepare to focus on the great job you’re about to do!

Q: Do I need to bring anything with me to timekeep a game?

A: Yes!Bring two pens (in case one doesn’t write well due to the cold!) and scrap paper and, of course, your smiling face and eager attitude (okay, maybe that’s not so easy to pull off during those early morning games but you can try, anyway!)

Q: Is anything NOT allowed in the box with me?

A: Yes!No iPods or other electronic devices; no distracting “helpers” (it’s no fun if you lose your timekeeping job because someone in the box with you makes you mess up!); and no messy snacks or drinks (the system is very expensive–no spills allowed!)

Q: Where are blank scoresheets kept?

A: On a shelf in the closet behind the counter at Terry Conners.SYHA house scoresheets are on the top shelf; CHC travel scoresheets are on the middle shelf.

Q: Can I sit in the timekeepers box to train for any SYHA game that I can come to?

A: No.You must ask me first.Not all timekeepers have enough experience to train you.It is unfair and not allowed for you to show up at a game unannounced and expect to be trained.

Q: I’m comfortable and ready to timekeep on my own.How many games can I expect to time per month?

A: Depends on factors such as how well you do your job, how long you have been doing your job and your availability.If you are the only timekeeper for your sibling(s) team, then I will try to give you the first option to timekeep.If there are several timekeeper siblings for one team then I will use you on a rotating basis.If you are willing to do early morning or evening house games then you will be given more opportunities to timekeep.You must remember that timekeepers who were trained before you will not be displaced; they had to wait for game availability just as you will have to.That being said, if you are dependable, able and willing, it should not take very long for you to be a “regular” timekeeper, so hang in there and I promise that it will be worth it!

Q: How much will I get paid per game?

A: You will receive $25 for all house and travel games played at Terry Conners.

Q: When will I receive my paycheck?

A: At the end of each month, I total the number of games you’ve timed and how much you’re owed.I then send the information to our SYHA Treasurer, who will produce and mail your check.You should receive your paycheck by the middle of the following month.

Q: What should I focus on first when filling out the scoresheet?

A: The time showing on the timeclock is the first thing you should record when a goal or penalty occurs because once you push the “Start” key again, the time is lost forever!This is why scrap paper comes in handy.You can fill in the period after you’ve recorded player numbers and the name of the penalty.

Q: My fingers are cold.Can I use my pen instead to enter information on the scoreboard?

A: Please, no!The keypad is very sensitive and the sensors underneath will break if anything other than your finger is used to enter information.

Q: My friend is playing on the home team.Can I clap and cheer for him when he scores a goal?

A: No.You are an official of the game and must therefore act in an unbiased manner.(But you can quietly cheer to yourself!)

Q: When, exactly, should I start running the time on the timeclock?

A: When the puck touches the ice (not when the ref is getting ready to drop the puck nor when the ref blows his whistle prior to dropping the puck).

Q: Everybody is trying to tell me what to do:The home team coach is telling me to run the clock, people in the stands are yelling things to me and an adult is tapping on the window of the timekeepers box with instructions.Who should I listen to?

A: None of the above.You are to listen only to the referees.You and the refs are all officials of the game and must work together to help each game run smoothly.You can ask the refs for permission to run the clock (if a coach requests you to do so) or any other questions you may have but you are only to do what the refs instruct you to do.If someone is bugging you, tell them to talk to the refs and to leave you alone!

The only instance where you may listen to people in the stands is if they yell, “Stop the Clock!” In that case, check to see if the clock is running when it should not be.Sometimes you may have pushed the “Stop” button too delicately and the clock is still running.Other times, during house games, you may forget to stop the clock for a line change.

Q: I just saw a goal scored and I even know who assisted it.Can I write it down on the scoresheet now to help save time?

A: No.You must wait for the ref to give you the scoring information before you put anything up on the scorebaord or write anything down on the scoresheet.(Remember to use your scrap paper if necessary!)If your scoresheet has too many crossouts,mistakes or is otherwise inaccurate or illegible, the entire game may not be counted as an official game.

Q: Do I have to keep track of goalie saves?

A: Yes! For both house and travel games, you must keep track of all goalie saves.This is a necessary and important part of your job as timekeeper.

Q: Where should I keep track of goalie saves?

A: Wherever you feel will result in the most legible scoresheet.Some timekeepers use tally marks to keep track of goalie saves for each period on their scrap paper and then write down the total saves on the scoresheet at the end of each period.Others neatly write tally marks down directly on the scoresheet (but be careful–sometimes there will be more tally marks than you have space to write them in!).Finally, others like to use the “Shots on Goal” button on the timeclock, being sure to check and record totals at the end of each period and then reset shots to “0" for each period.

Q: The goalie went behind the net to stop the puck.Should I count that as a goalie save?

A: No.Only count as goalie saves pucks that would have gone into the net if the goalie had not touched it.

Q: At the last game a coach really upset me by the way he screamed at me.What should I do?

A: Always keep your cool while you are in the timekeeping box.Remember, the refs are your “bosses,” not the coaches.Then, when you get home, call or e-mail me to let me know of any upsetting occurrences.Being a timekeeper means not only running the clock and filling out the scoresheet but also having the maturity to handle some minor negativity.

Q: I’m nervous about not having enough time to put a penalty up on the scoreboard before play resumes.What should I do?

A: Let the refs know at the start of the game that you are a new timekeeper and may therefore need extra time to enter penalties and other information.Then try to relax and do your best.Your speed at entering information will increase with each game you timekeep!

Q: My friend wants to sit in the timekeeper’s box to help me.Is this allowed?

A: Depends.If your friend is mature and responsible and truly wants to help you, then he can sit quietly in the box with you and perhaps help keep track of goalie saves.If, however, your friend loves to chat and will be a distraction to you then he is NOT allowed in the box.Remember, you are getting paid to do an important job.Coaches, managers, refs and parents will report any inappropriate behavior.

Q: Can more than one friend sit in the box with me?

A: Absolutely not!Only one person may sit in with you at a time and ONLY if that person has met the above criteria.Having more than two people in the box looks unprofessional and is unfair to the refs as well as to everyone else.(Imagine if the refs had a friend or two skating beside them during a game to keep them company–that’s how it appears when too many people are in the timekeepers box!)Again, this is your JOB–you can socialize when you are not working!

Q: Yikes! I already told my friend that he can sit in the box with me and now I’m finding that I cannot concentrate.What should I do?

A: Tell him to leave the box immediately.If necessary, blame it on me.Say something like, “Oops--I forgot!Mrs. Phillipson (or the current timekeeper scheduler) told me that I’m not allowed to have anyone sitting in the box with me.You have to leave.”

Q: What’s a good way to discourage anyone from bothering me while I’m timekeeping?

A: Close the door!This also helps to hold in the warm air if you have the heater on.

Q: Should I post all goals scored on the scoreboard?

A: Not always.If a team leads by more than 6 goals, the ref will usually tell you to write the goal scoring info on the scoresheet but to not post it on the timeclock.

Q: Why do I have to stop the clock and press the horn button every 90 seconds for house games?

A: To allow for line changes to be made.

Q: When signaling for house game line changes (or for any other reason), how long should I press the “horn” button for?

A: Sound the horn for abouttwo seconds.The horn works best when you use your full fingertip to firmly press it and if you press it not in the center but a little over to the right.

Q: What should I do at the end of each period?

A: Record the total number of goalie saves for that period, press the “Period +” button to change the period and reset the timeclock for the correct period length.

Q: Is there another way to change the period showing on the timeclock?

A: Yes.Press the “Period @” button, then the desired number (1,2 or 3) on the keypad and then press “Enter”.

Q: During a house game, if a player’s penalty time showing on the timeclock has not expired by the end of his shift, what should I do?

A: Press the “Disable Penalty” button to stop the penalty time from running down.When the player’s shift begins again, press the “Enable Penalty” button and the penalty countdown will resume.

Q: In house games, are there any instances which permit me to let a penalty run when the player who received the penalty’s shift is not on the ice?

A: Yes.If a penalty occurs during the last 4:30 (when three lines are being played) or 3:00 (when only two lines are being played) of the game, you may let the penalty time run until it expires, as the player who received the penalty will not have another shift.

Q: For house games, how do I know if there are two or three lines are being played?

A: Ask the home team coach and/or the ref.If you see 10 or fewer players on each team, coaches will usually play with only two lines.

Q: During house games, what should I do if a new penalty is called when there is a disabled penalty on the clock from a previous shift?

A: Cry!Just kidding...Unfortunately, the timeclock will not allow you to have one penalty run while another is disabled, so here’s what you have to do:First, write down the time remaining on the disabled penalty on your scrap paper.Next, enter the new penalty on the scoreboard and press “enable penalty.”Then, clear the old penalty from the board (you can do this while the clock is running.)When the appropriate shift resumes play, re-enter the time remaining on the first penalty.This takes practice to learn, so remember that the MOST IMPORTANT thing is that your scoresheet is correct.You can always refer back to the time written down on the scoresheet to figure things out if necessary.

Q:Why did the ref tell me to record two penalties on the scoresheet only and to not to put the penalties up on the timeclock?

A: Because a coincidental penalty--when one player from each team receives a penalty at the same time–occurred and will not affect the number of players on the ice.Players who received the penalty must stay in the box for the length of their penalty time PLUS the first whistle after the penalty time expires (referred to as “penalty time plus a whistle”)

Q: What does a “whistle” indicate?

A: The stoppage of play, and thus the stopping of the timeclock.

Q: On the penalties section of the scoresheet, is the “On” ice time always the “Off” ice time minus the number of penalty minutes?

A: No.If a goal is scored during a power play, the “On” time will be the time that the goal was scored.Also, when a coincidental or a misconduct penalty occurs, it’s the penalty time plus a whistle.

Q: If a goal is scored against a short-handed team, should I remove the penalty from the scoreboard?

A1: Yes.Generally, the penalty with the least remaining time (or the “oldest” penalty) must be deleted (or “cleared”).Press the home or visiting “Player Penalty”button, then the “Arrow” button (look at the monitor to find the penalty you want to clear–if there’s only one penalty on the clock, push the “Up” arrow once; when two penalties are running for one team, push the “Up” arrow twice), then push “Clear” and, finally, press “Enter.”

A2: However, if you are new to timekeeping and/or are a little overwhelmed, it will not be terrible for you to let the penalty run out on its own.Don’t worry–the player will know that his penalty is over and he will return to the ice or his bench.

Q: Will the timeclock allow me to put more than two penalties for one team up at the same time?

A: Yes.Even though the scoreboard on the wall will only show two penalties at a time for each team, the timeclock allows you to enter as many penalties as necessary.However, teams are not allowed to play 5 on 2.Therefore, if one team receives a third penalty when the other team is playing full strength, the third penalty must not start running until the first penalty has expired.

Q: What should I write down when a major or misconduct penalty is called?

A: Whatever the ref instructs you to do.If a minor penalty plus a misconduct is called, you must record the minor penalty first.Then, on the line below, write down the game misconduct info. The misconduct time does not begin until the minor penalty time has been served and does not end until the penalty time expires plus a whistle.

Q: What should I do when the ref tells me that there is a timeout for a team?

A: You must write “Timeout” on the top blank section of the scoresheet.Record the team name, the time on the clock when the timeout was requested and also the period in which the timeout was requested.(Ex: Timeout: Sharks - 12:32 - Period 2)

Q: What do I do with the scoresheet at the end of a game?

A: When the final buzzer sounds, count up and then circle the total number of goalie saves.Then write down and circle the final score for each team in the “goals” section.Make sure all other

areas are complete (including your signature!) and then put slash marks through any empty sections left on the scoresheet.Then hand the completed scoresheet to the refs.The refs will review and sign the scoresheet and will then hand it to the coaches for signing.

Q: After the refs and coaches sign the scoresheet, what should I do with it?

A: For travel games, the winning team’s coach or manager gets the original and the yellow copy of the scoresheet; the pink copy is for the losing team.If a travel game ends in a tie, the home team receives the original and the yellow copy and the pink copy goes to the visiting team.For house games, place the original scoresheet in the appropriate (i.e., Senior House, Squirt House or Mite House) file folder in the SYHA “In Box” in the TCR office.The yellow copy belongs to the winning team (or the home team in case of a tie) and the pink copy goes to the losing team.

Q: Help!I’m stuck in the timekeepers’ box.How do I free myself?

A: Pull the door towards you while pressing the white handle and you should be freed!Otherwise, seek outside assistance!

Q:What is your hope for timekeepers?

A: I hope that: you will learn something new at each game (not only about timekeeping but also about hockey and people!); you’ll make some money to save or spend wisely; you’ll enjoy timekeeping; and thatyou will feel like a valued and respected part of our SYHA family.

I ALSO EXPECT YOU TO ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST,

BECAUSE ANYTHING LESS THAN THAT

REFLECTS POORLY NOT ONLY ON YOU AND ME

BUT ALSO ON OUR ENTIRE SYHA ORGANIZATION!

General Guidance for TimeKeepers

Filling out score sheets properly:

1. Age Level - team type such as mite, squirt etc.
2. Date – date of the game.
3. Rink - where game is being played.
4. Home & Visiting Teams - print your CHC Association name here along with the type of team Tier I, A, A1, B etc. Do not print Joe’s Mobil or the Bruins.
5. Player Info - names and numbers of players. It’s great to use stickers but you must remember to cross off on all copies the names of the players not in uniform for that game.
6. Coaches Info – PRINT coaches’ names, their USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP) card number, their CEP level (1-Initiation, 2-Associate, 3-Intermediate, 4-Advanced or 5-Master) and the date on the card (from the sticker on the back of the card) on every score sheet. All coaches must be certified at the proper level. This information can be included on the player info sticker.
7. Home & Visitor Verification – one coach from each team MUST sign the score sheet.
8. Scoring - enter goals and assists as they are called by the referees - remember to enter and circle the total score for each team.
9. Saves – enter the goalies number and track all saves (not shots). If the game is split between two goalies repeat the process on the second line.
10. Penalties - enter penalties as they are called by the referees.
11. This area is for the referees to print and sign their names. Please have all
referees print their state number next to his or her name.